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Clemson Football 2017 recruiting class: A.J. Terrell breakdown

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:58 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Anthony Messenger/FanSided via Rubbing the Rock

Leading up to signing day, we are going to be analyzing Clemson’s entire recruiting class. Today we are looking at four-star corner-back commit A.J. Terrell.

A.J. Terrell (DB) Atlanta, GA:

247sports rates Terrell as the 60th player in the country and 7th corner-back in the nation. A.J. Terrell was having an outstanding senior year, before suffering an unspecified knee injury which would end his season.

Despite his season being cut short, A.J. Terrell was still named Georgia’s Region 2-7A Most Valuable Player.

Best Attributes:

Player comparison: Justin Evans (DB) Texas A&M

A.J. Terrell compares favorably to Texas A&M’s Justin Evans because of their frame. Evans is a tall, rangy safety with good ball skills for a defensive back, as is Terrell. A.J. is slightly taller than Evans and he projects as a corner at the next level rather than a safety. That being said, Terrell and Evans are both devastating tacklers.

Signing a defensive back who is willing to tackle is a plus in itself, but, signing a defensive back who could potentially be the best tackler on your team is special. Evans has made a name for himself in the SEC with his bone crushing hits. He blew up last years Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. Hopefully A.J. Terrell can bring that same intensity to Clemson’s already elite defense.

Expectations

The fact that Terrell is coming off of a knee injury paired with the talent that is already in the secondary for Clemson, leads me to lean towards him taking a redshirt next season. Although, if A.J. is fully healthy come next August, I expect him to compete for playing time.

I doubt Terrell is an outright starter due to the young talent that is already at Clemson, however, if healthy, A.J. is too talented and versatile to keep off of the field in Death Valley.  One thing is for sure, if this kid is running down on kickoff, someone is in for a world of hurt. Returners all over the country will be buckling their chin-straps extra tight.

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